Singapore is consistently named as one of the most expensive cities in the world.
For those considering a visit to Singapore, this may cause them to think again. With so many comparitively inexpensive destinations surrounding Singapore, you wouldn’t blame them.
Let’s not blow this out of proportion however. Singapore is still a fantastic place to visit and many visitors will find that things in Singapore are reasonably well priced or at least similar to what they’re used to.
While Singapore’s main tourist attractions will set you back a bit, there are still some things to do in the world’s most expensive city that are completely free! With the help of some Singaporean friends, here is a list of some of the best free things to do in Singapore to help you save money during your visit.
Neighbourhoods to explore in Singapore
Strolling Singapore’s neighbourhoods will always be free and are a great way to get to know the city’s diverse population.
Little India
Address: Serangoon Rd, 217963 | MRT: Little India (NE7/DT12)
The smell of incense permeates through the air as soon as you emerge from Little India MRT station. This cultural area for Singapore’s Indian community is full of shops and restaurants. There are also beautiful temples which you are welcome to explore. It’s a small taste of India, but one you’ll really appreciate.
Chinatown
Address: Pagoda St, 059242 | MRT: Chinatown (NE4/DT19)
Beautifully restored colonial buildings painted in bright colours greet you as you arrive whilst street vendors and hawkers selling food and trinkets ply for your attention. The area truly comes alive during Chinese New Year season, when a market stretches around the block and decorations adorn building.
Arab Street
Address: Arab St, 199801 | MRT: Bugis (EW12/DT14)
This cultural area for Singapore’s Arab community is well known for it’s Persian carpet shops, jewellers and stores selling leather goods. Make sure you stop for a Teh Tarik at one of the hole-in-the-wall cafes and that you also check out the impressive Sultan Mosque.
Places to visit in Singapore with free entry
No need to fork out for every attraction you visit in Singapore. These places to visit are completely free!
Haw Par Villa
Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road, 118628 | MRT: Haw Par Villa (CC25)
Built in 1937, Haw Par Villa is famous for its often gruesome depictions of Chinese folklore’s 10 Courts of Hell. But this bizarre theme park also has more tasteful scenes from other Chinese legends, such as Journey to the West and Madame White Snake.
Kampong Buangkok
Address: 7 Lor Buangkok, 547557 | Bus stop: Bef Gerald Dr (from Serangoon MRT)
In stark contrast to the rest of modern Singapore, Kampong Buangkok is a living, breathing reminder of how Singapore started its existence. Built in 1956, it is the last surviving kampong (village) located in mainland Singapore and is well worth seeing.
Jewel Changi Airport
Address: 70 Airport Boulevard, 819661 | MRT: Changi Airport (CG2)
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The “world’s best airport” is now even better, thanks to an extraordinary new complex that mixes nature with retail. The attraction boasts the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, 280 food & shopping outlets and exceptional indoor gardens and parks. It has to be seen to be believed. Easily one of the most iconic and best free things to do in Singapore.
Merlion Park
Address: Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038980 | MRT: Raffles Place (EW14/NS26)
The Merlion, half fish and half lion, is an icon of Singapore. There are a few Merlins dotted around Singapore, but the one you always see in publicity photos is here at Merlion Park. There’s not a lot else to see in the park, but if you want that classic Singapore selfie, you’ll want to drop by.
Festivals & Celebrations in Singapore
With so many different faiths and cultural backgrounds represented among Singapore’s population, the calendar is full of free festivals for you to experience.
Lunar/Chinese New Year
Location: Island-wide/Chinatown (Google Maps) | MRT: Chinatown (NE4/DT19)
Dates: Annually in January/February
Lights and elaborate decorations hang in malls, public buildings and across streets bringing an energetic sense of celebration. Check out the market stalls throughout Chinatown.
Christmas
Location: Island-wide/Orchard Road (Google Maps) | MRT: Orchard Road (NS22/TE14)
Dates: Annually throughout December
Singapore goes all out for Christmas. It’s mostly an opportunity for some retail therapy (like Singaporeans need an excuse) but the huge decorations, particularly across Orchard Road are really worth seeing.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Location: Sims Avenue & Changi Road, Geylang Serai (Google Maps) | MRT: Paya Lebar (EW8/CC9) & Eunos (EW7)
Dates: Early June
On Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Muslims in Singapore end their time of fasting with a joyous celebration of forgiveness, fellowship and food. Head to Geylang Serai Bazaar to see stalls selling a vast variety of food and wares.
Diwali/Deepavali
Location: Little India (Google Maps) | MRT: Little India (NE7/DT12)
Dates: Late October
Little India is always a vibrant, bustling neighbourhood, but it’s particularly so during Diwali. Hastings Rd and Campbell Ln host a market village while Race Course Rd is decorated with illuminated decorations.
Free Museums & Galleries in Singapore
Most of Singapore’s museums and galleries charge entrance fees. There are some though, mostly focusing on niche subjects, that are free to enter.
Visual Arts at Esplanade
Address: 1 Esplanade Dr, 038981 | MRT: City Hall (EW13/NS25)
Show times: Throughout the year (see website)
A continuous programme of visiting art exhibitions is run all over the iconic Esplanade with free access to all.
Civil Defence Heritage Gallery
Address: 62 Hill St, 179367 | MRT: City Hall (EW13/NS25)
The Civil Defence Heritage Gallery traces civil defence developments in Singapore from the late 1800s up until today.
Air Force Museum
Address: 400 Airport Rd, Paya Lebar Airbase, 534234 | MRT: Eunos (EW7)
A museum housing (unsurprisingly) exhibits on the history, heritage, and values of the Republic of Singapore Air Force.
The Changi Museum
Address: 1000 Upper Changi Rd N, 507707 | MRT: Tampines East (DT33)
The Changi Museum is dedicated to all those who lived and died in Singapore and, in particular, the Changi area during World War II.
Republic of Singapore Navy Museum
Address: 112 Tanah Merah Coast Road, 498794 | MRT: Expo (CG1/DT35)
Take a trip down memory lane, as you view weaponry and other components taken from now decommissioned warships.
Free Live Music & Shows in Singapore
Singapore loves putting on a show. As well as permanent music and light shows, there are a handful of regular free music events in the cultural calendar.
Garden Rhapsody
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, 018953 | MRT: Bayfront (CE1/DT16)
Show times: Daily (see website)
By day, the Supertree Grove is a marvel of engineering. By night, these impressive structures come to life in a spectacular burst of colour. For the best view, take a seat right amongst the Supertrees. One of our favourite free things to do in Singapore.
Spectra
Address: 2 Bayfront Ave, 018972 | MRT: Bayfront (CE1/DT16)
Show times: Daily (see website)
Fire and lasers burst from the water whilst images are projected on clouds of water vapour. This 15 minute show is packed full of tricks and is genuinely impressive. Tiered seating can be found right in front of the display area.
Sentosa Crane Dance
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, 099958 | MRT: Harbourfront (CC29/NE1)
Show times: Daily (see website)
A fabulous show involving two huge animatronic cranes, lots of water and lots of lights and pyrotechnics. This is a one-of-a-kind show that really shouldn’t be missed. Spectators sat at the front might get a bit wet.
Rain Vortex
Address: 70 Airport Boulevard, 819661 | MRT: Changi Airport (CG2)
Show times: Hourly from 1930
Standing at 40 metres high, Jewel Changi Airport claim that the rain vortex is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. At night, the fall is illuminated to music for a five minute show every hour from 1930.
Lake of Dreams
Address: 32 Sentosa Gateway, 098141 | MRT: Harbourfront (CC29/NE1)
Show times: Daily (see website)
At the heart of Resorts World Sentosa is this choreographed display of fire, water and light. The narrative is a bit cheesy, but the show itself is still quite spectacular. A good way to end a day at Universal Studios.
Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
Address: 1 Esplanade Dr, 038981 | MRT: City Hall (EW13/NS25)
Show times: Throughout the year (see website)
The nearby Esplanade venue (affectionately known as the Durian for its shape) has an outdoor stage where free concerts are put on daily and theatre performances every weekend.
Beautiful Sunday
Address: 1 Esplanade Dr, 038981 | MRT: City Hall (EW13/NS25)
Show times: Throughout the year (see website)
A free, once-a-month, live local music performance held in the prestigious Esplanade Concert Hall gives everyone the opportunity the enjoy music and cultural in plush surroundings.
Places of Worship with free entry in Singapore
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, all living together side-by-side. There are therefore many places of worship, most of which welcome visitors without charging an entrance fee.
Masjid Sultan (Sultan Mosque)
Address: 715 North Bridge Rd, 198684 | MRT: Bugis (EW12/DT14)
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Built in 1824, the gold-domed Sultan Mosque is the focal point for Singapore’s Muslim community.
Sri Mariamman Temple
Address: 244 South Bridge Rd, 058793 | MRT: Chinatown (NE4/DT19)
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You’re free to roam around this ornate and elaborately decorated Hindu temple. Colourful sculptures of deities and mythological beasts are in abundance and are in stark contrast to the nearby skyscrappers in the CBD.
Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple
Address: 178 Waterloo St, 187964 | MRT: Bugis (EW12/DT14)
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This Buddhist temple, built in 1884, is thought to bring good luck to visitors. Its central location means it’s busy all day, therefore it’s great for respectful observance of Buddhist worship.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Address: 288 S Bridge Rd, 058840 | MRT: Chinatown (NE4/DT19)
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Exhibits on Buddhist art and culture, a rooftop garden and pagoda and the centepiece, The Buddha Tooth Relic housed in a giant stupa made from 320kg of gold makes this temple a must visit.
St Andrews Cathedral
Address: 11 St Andrew’s Rd, 178959 | MRT: City Hall (EW13/NS25)
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An Anglican cathedral with gorgeously plain white Neo-Gothic architecture. Inside, the simple white pillars contrast nicely with the bright colours from the stained glass windows.
Wildlife, Parks & Nature in Singapore
Despite being tiny and densely populated, Singapore is surprisingly green. In terms of free things to do, Singapore’s wildlife and nature offering is second to none.
Gardens by the Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, 018953 | MRT: Bayfront (CE1/DT16)
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Gardens by the Bay captures the essence of Singapore’s tropical Garden City image. This huge development houses several themed gardens, bio-domes (entrance fees apply) and a remarkable Supertree Grove. You could spend an entire day here. One of our favourite free things to do in Singapore.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Address: 177 Hindhede Dr, 589333 | MRT: Beauty World (DT5)
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Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is home to around 40% of Singapore’s flora and fauna and is a popular popular spot for those looking to get close to nature.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Address: 1 Cluny Rd, 259569 | MRT: Botanic Gardens (CC19/DT9)
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Founded in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens showcases a wide variety of spectacular tropical flora set amongst a carefully manicured landscape.
Labrador Nature Reserve
Address: Labrador Villa Rd, 119187 | MRT: Labrador Park (CC27)
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Built on the edge of a forest with a picturesque view of the sea, Labrador Nature Reserve is an oasis of tranquillity and natural wonder. Looks out for the squirrels and resident birds species.
Pulau Ubin/Chek Jawa Nature Reserve
Address: Pulau Ubin | Bus Stop: Changi Village Terminal (from Tanah Merah MRT)
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Be transported back in time to 1960s Singapore as you embark on a trip to the nearby island of Pulau Ubin. Home to Singapore’s last villages or kampongs, the island still retains the rustic beauty and simplicity of a bygone era.
Lower Peirce Reservoir Park
Address: Old Upper Thomson Road | Bus stop: Opp. Sembawang Hills Food Centre
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The Lower Peirce Reservoir, Singapore’s second-oldest, was commissioned in 1912. The forest that lines its banks is considered a mature secondary rainforest and is still dotted with numerous rubber trees and oil palms.
MacRitchie Reservoir & TreeTop Walk
This trail takes you to the TreeTop Walk, a 250m long freestanding suspension bridge between the two highest points in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (MacRitchie) and the first of its kind in Singapore.
Dairy Farm Nature Park/Singapore Quarry
Address: 100 Dairy Farm Rd, 679057 | MRT:
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Set in a rustic environment with multiple trails for hiking and biking, the 63-hectare Dairy Farm Nature Park offers a host of recreational activities and amenities such as a nature trail and former quarry.
East Coast Park
Address: E Coast Park Service Rd
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East Coast Park is one of Singapore’s most treasured urban getaways, offering an invigorating and exciting diversity of sporting, dining and recreational activities. With the theme “Recreation for All”, the park has an activity for everyone.
The Southern Ridges
An urban hiking trial that connects 10km of green spaces. The trail crosses secondary rainforest, goes over the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore and offers great panoramic views of the city and harbour.
Rail/Green Corridor
A 24km walking path, following the route of former railway tracks. The trail is one of Singapore’s wildest and unmanicured natural pursuits and offers tranquility and peace amongst the hubbub. Enjoy it while you can as plans to redevelop the route are afoot.
That concludes our collection of free things to do in Singapore. We’ll keep this post up to date so whenever we find any other free things to do in Singapore, we’ll add it to the list.
